26th Anniversary 
~~~~~~~Waves~~~~~~~
IN THIS ISSUE
Dive "The Hellcat"
Travel Schedule
Wreck Diving Specialty
Important Passport Information
QUICK LINKS
 
 
 

The Hellcat 

  

Dutch Springs' newest and most popular underwater attraction is the 1944 replica army aircraft, the Hellcat. Located between the Student Side and the Peninsula, marked by a white buoy at a depth of 60 feet, this is a great dive for anyone. This addition was made part of the underwater graveyard on April 7, 2007.

 

Also known as the "Wildcat's big brother" the Hellcat was the primary plane in the second half of World War II. It proved to be the most successful aircraft in naval history, destroying 5,163 aircraft in service with the US Navy and US Marine Corps, plus 52 with the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm during WWII. Postwar, the Hellcat aircraft was rapidly phased out of frontline service, finally retiring in 1954 as a night-fighter. It was produced from 1942-45 and 12,275 of these aircrafts were built.

 

Some general characteristics of the Hellcat are: it was crewed by only one member; its body length is 33 ft 7 in with a wingspan of 42 ft 10 in; standing at 13 ft 1 in and weighing 12,598 lbs it could fly at a speed of 380 mph.

 
The Hellcat is a good navigation dive, either naturally or with a compass. There's no growth or erosion to it yet so make sure you go see it soon. Be sure to get there early because by mid-afternoon, due to its popularity, the visibility around the aircraft turns poor.
Issue: 6/07 June/2007
Greetings!

Happy Summer!
 
As this newsletter reaches you, I will be be on my way to the Rivera Maya. Hopefully, your dive/snorkel and travel plans for the summer include lots of exciting adventures. Be sure to stop by and tell us about your travels, trips, and diving/snorkeling and don't forget to bring your pictures.
 
See you soon~ Don't forget the sunscreen!
 
White Logo 25years
 
 

Travel

sunset 
Go ahead and spoil yourself!
 

* North Carolina July 26-30       

* Bahamas Sept 8-15

 
 

Wreck Diving Class July 17, 2007

  austin plane.

Wreck diving is one of the most popular diving activities worldwide. Where else can you visit the past that isn't accessible to everyday people?  Many wrecks have exciting or tragic histories that you can safely explore as a certified wreck diver.

 

Wreck diving owes it's popularity in part to it's ability to intrigue divers with different interests. For example, the RMS Rhone in the British Virgin Islands was constructed by the same company as the Titanic. While it's sinking did not take as many lives, the story behind how it came to rest in 60ft of water off of Salt Island is no less intriguing. In it's present home, the Rhone offers shelter to hundreds of species of fish, coral, and invertebrates. The colors, angles, and shadows are often described as stunning. There is even a spot on the wreck where the sides have fallen away leaving only coral covered columns that bring to mind thoughts of the lost city of Atlantis. 

 
So whether you're a history buff, a photographer, or a naturalist... wreck diving offers both mystery and beauty.
 

You will learn more from the Wreck Diver Specialty course than how to dive safely inside and out of a wreck. You will also learn how to research and investigate historical sinkings and how to preserve and protect the wrecks inhabitants and history.

 

Important Passport Information

 
U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or
countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.  The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand.

Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of by clicking here.

Sincerely,
 

Mid-Atlantic Scuba Center Inc.